Of course you're right about Linux being a potential compebreastor. A stable OS with a bunch of free desktop apps that are mostly good enough for casual use? And it can be stripped down for use as a server, a firewall, router, etc. And you can switch out different window managers? And it's now supported by Oracle and IBM?

Linux has some good things going for it. Gaming and fonts and desktop-office apps and consistency and ease of use-config-maintenance aren't there yet, but if you're willing to spend a LOT of time you can really make Linux sing. It's nice to customize your Linux system and your desktop to the Nth degree. It can be a hbuttle to install-register-authenticate-authorize your Windows system, and never having to worry about Linux licensing or costs is nice.

But for me, the slight hbuttles every so often, and the upfront costs are easily worth it, for entry into the Windows app and hardware universe. And since I like (really, really like) to develop Access applications I'm sort of "locked in."

(I see your sig mentions Cambridge. Are you a student there? Comp Sci?)